I was diagnosed in 1994 with breast cancer. I had almost all the lymph nodes taken out on the affected side. Five years later I got lymphedema in that arm (right). There was nothing much said about the possibility of getting lymphedema 18 years ago. So, it was unexpected and horrifying. Wrapping the affected arm with 4 layers of bandages was the first treatment I had. I had insurance other than Medicare at that time, so lymphedema sleeves and other products were covered by the insurance.
The minute I was covered by Medicare, the only treatment covered was the wrapping of the arm in 4 layers of bandages and physical therapy. There are many devices available used for treating lymphedema…the Reid Sleeve, the Tribute by Solaris, sleeves to wear during the day, etc., yet none of them are covered by Medicare even now. This, to me, is hard to believe.
Lymphedema is a very uncomfortable condition. I have to be very careful about using the arm excessively, bug bites, burns, etc. I no longer fly because the altitude will make my arm swell. I would say my life has been severely limited because of it. I have had cellulitis twice because of it, which can be very dangerous if not treated immediately.
I even buy shirts that are a size bigger than I wear so they won’t be tight on the arm with lymphedema.
I don’t know what else to say other than the condition has absolutely changed my life for the worse. And, to have a government that is unwilling to cover the products that could help the condition is very horrifying.
So, I continue to take very good care of the arm with lymphedema and hope for the best (that some day Medicare will cover these products that can definitely help this condition).
